Feel out of my depth with pony's loading issues...

B

billylula

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B Pony was stubborn to load when we first got him, but with a bit of coaxing we seemed to crack it. A month ago my husband took him and my daughter to a rallly - he wouldn't load coming home so a friend gave him an almighty whack with a whip and he shot in straight away.

Stupidly we thought all he needed was a tap with the whip and sure enough that seemed to work. Then he started to 'buck' or back kick when we did it. Tonight he wouldn't load at all and we gave him a crack with the whip and he back kicked so big he kicked my husbands arm which is very bruised. Ok, so he's telling us he hates the whip...

Eventually I coaxed him into the trailer with food. Went to the rally, he was in a stubborn mood then we couldn't load him coming home - I said no whips at all as his kick really scared me. I managed to coax him into actually standing on the ramp but we kind of waited it out for nearly an hour - no luck. Eventually another rider #an eventer, very experienced# had a go and did a brilliant job, making B walk back and putting pressure on him with the headcollar until he walked forward. He loaded very quickly.

Now I feel as though we've done all the wrong things and I am dreading next week when I have to load him every morning for junior camp.

His field buddy and best friend is away this week at senior camp so I am presuming he is feeling miserable about this #he loves routine and is very sensitive and stubborn...#.

Wouldn't mind some reassurance I suppose.
 
Ok, So you know what not to do...Sometimes its the vibes we give off that don't help a horse to load...When i had a similar problem, we parked the trailer up and i spent every day for about 2 weeks, feeding him on the ramp, leaving the whole trailer open, leading him in and through, grooming, stopping and patting, loads of praise when he made progress.. Also, do it when you have all the time in the world so to speak. You can't rush these things or the horse will sense it...
Our other horse used to stand on the ramp and say no...we wooshed the crop to make a noise ( nowhere near him) and he used to walk on with a sigh as though to say 'oh ok then'. :)
Check your speed when towing him and take your corners/roundabouts slowly, I'm of the thinking I'd rather get there with a happy horse than a sweaty one...
I'm sure there are others out there with suggestions, this worked for me
Good luck :)
 
So you have to go back to the beginning and start all over again to regain his confidence and that will take sometime, put yourself in his place that you not sure about going into a place and someone came along and gave you a great whack on your backside, you would shot forward too. Start building the trust again, because if you don't and you have to sell him on, a pony not loading is a no seller point to most people.
 
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